Best 1/2 Horsepower Garbage Disposals

When it comes to indispensable kitchen appliances, a garbage disposal is probably the last thing to pop into your mind. Even though it’s not the most eye-catching appliance in the kitchen, a garbage disposal that you can count on is vital.

It’s quite a task to ensure that you’re choosing the right garbage disposal. A disposal system that will give you a positive return on your money, while meeting all of your needs is essential.

We’ve assembled a lineup of five of the best 1/2 horsepower garbage disposals currently available on the market. Along with an in-depth look at each product, we’ve also added a section dealing with the pros and cons of your potential choice. After all, making an educated decision is the first step toward choosing a garbage disposal well equipped for all your needs.

If space underneath your sink is an issue, don’t let that deter you from purchasing a disposal unit that’s sure to make your life in the kitchen less miserable. The Waste King Legend Series L-1001 features a compact design built to fit in small spaces. Its sleek makeup fits snugly into small areas with ease, a perfect selection for a tiny condo or townhouse.

Pros

Made of A Stainless Steele Exterior

Strong Engine

Splash Guard Can Be Removed

Cons

Must Have A Power Cord Outlet close by unit

No Allen Wrench Hole To Allow For Easy Removal Of Jams

Interesting to know

The Waste King L-1001 is manufactured entirely in the United States to guarantee quality. A two-year warranty comes standard with each purchase, covering all standard wear and tear that occurs over time.

Warning

The processing chamber on the L-1001 is rather small, so it’s imperative to add food at a slow pace.

The Waste King runs quite smoothly and quietly, generating a modicum amount of vibration when breaking down food. Fitted with a powerful motor capable of running at 2,600 rpm, the L-1001 crushes food with ease. The stainless steel parts ensure sufficient durability, and the removable splash guard is great for making sure waste doesn’t fly all over your kitchen.

All in all, the Waste King is an excellent fit if a smaller kitchen constrains you in your home.

The Waste King L-2600 is the second of the legend series in our lineup. The L-2600 comes outfitted with a powerful motor capable of reaching speeds of up to 2600 rpm, a figure somewhat smaller than the larger L-8000.

Composed of the same stainless steel material found on the L-1001; the L-2600 offers protection against rust and other corrosive agents that may hamper durability over the years. There is also a steel add-on inside the grinding unit that ensures that jamming doesn’t occur.

Pros

Easy to Assemble

Continous Feed Compatibility

Jam Resistant

Cons

Lacking in Power

Interesting to know

A unique feature of the L-2600 is the perpetual feed mechanism added to the device. This impressive add-on ensures that waste can continuously be pushed down the disposal without fear of jamming. The added insulation included around the grinder is excellent at limiting the amount of noise made by the device.

If you’re looking for a powerful yet quiet garbage disposal, the L-2600 is an excellent choice. Not to mention, the assembly is quite manageable, and all the required fittings are inside the box.

If you’re looking for a powerful yet reasonably priced option, the L-2600 is a great choice that comes with a 5-year warranty for extra protection.

The InSinkErator Badger 5 has evolved to become known as one of the best all-around garbage disposals currently on the market. It’s referred to as one of the most reliable waste systems by numerous customers.

Pros

All-Around Great Disposal

Powerful Enough For Large Quantities Of Food

Built For Durability

Cons

Easily Rusts Over Time

Interesting to know

The InSinkErator features a wall knob for easy control and a large chamber for breaking down vast amounts of food. The outer body made of a durable, long-lasting material ensures that this system will last you a very long time. In the case of any accidents, a 2-year warranty comes with each purchase.

Warning

The only downside to the Badger 5 is it’s propensity to rust overtime when not in use.

Included within the box are easy to follow installation instructions, a wrench, stopper, and other vital components. The Badger 5 can store up to 26-ounces of waste at a time, and the powerful motor makes light work of seemingly insurmountable piles of garbage.

The InSinkErator is a tremendous all-around garbage disposal fitting for most of your food disposal needs. If you’re looking for a device with a large food capacity and packed with power, the badger is an excellent choice.

The GFC530V garbage disposal brought to you by General Electric packs 115V of waste disposing power. It disintegrates those tough foods into scraps suitable for any standard septic tank. Fully equipped with an on and off switch, the GFC530V is ideal for most standard sized kitchen setups.

Pros

Stainless Steel Construction

Powerful 2,800 RPM Grinding Ability

Rounds Quitely

1-Year Warranty That Replaces Device

Suitable For Large Quantities Of Food

Cons

Drain Stopper Could Possibly Cause Leaks

Interesting to know

The GFC530V comes outfitted with a splash guard, stainless steel construction, manual reset capability, and a plethora of other additions. The device is simple to operate, and the continuous feed capability ensures that inopportune jams won’t plague you.

Warning

A downside to the GFC530V is its propensity to cause leaks. The drain stopper can be too big for certain sinks, leading to water leaking into neighboring areas.

Performance and value push this disposal to the next level. It runs quietly with minimal noise even when faced with the toughest jobs. The unit is quite easy to install, and the added instructional manual ensure that everything will go smoothly.

A unique addition to the GFC530V is the stainless steel turntable that adds to its holding capacity, allowing more waste disposal per usage.

The GFC530V is an excellent disposal unit for the modern day kitchen. Its power output is adequate, and it won’t fail when dealing with more massive wastes. If you’re looking for reliable garbage disposal, this is a safe choice.

The General Electric GFC520V is a budget-friendly garbage disposal. It features an incredibly compact design, and a 27-ounce waste chamber is suitable for both small spaces and tough jobs. Each GFC520V comes fitted with a stainless steel exterior and a powerful magnet motor boasting 2,800 rpm of grinding power.

Pros

Budget-Friendly

Fits In Tight Places

Powerful Grinding Capacity

Cons

Doesn’t Include Power Cord

Interesting to know

Standard with every device is a stainless steel impeller that ensures that jamming doesn’t occur when under heavy usage. Its perfect for those tough foods that will give other disposals trouble. Like most garbage disposals, a wall mounted on and off switch is included as well as a manual override add-on to provide you with full control.

Product installation is virtually seamless, due to the added mount installation procedure accompanying each purchase. General Electric also includes a 1-year warranty that covers all potential parts replacements.

All in All, the GFC520V is a budget-friendly addition to any kitchen. Its small design and powerful motor are perfect for even the most modest kitchen.

Buyers Guide

Can It Grind The Food?

When selecting between garbage disposals, your principal concerns should be the power of the motor, and it’s grinding ability.

Majority of the motors that you’ll come across in stores are going to be known as magnet motors. Magnet motors assure that the rotor works in conjunction with the magnetic field inside the machine. The Motor substantially contributes to the overall power of the unit, rated in horsepower. The bigger the horsepower of the disposal unit the more powerful it is. As you’ve noticed, the previous list included only 1/2 horsepower models.

Grinding efficiency of your chosen unit is equally as crucial as your motor selection. The grinding capacity of your device is quickly noticed by looking at its listed rpm. Most of the disposals on this list feature a grinding speed of about 2,800 rpm, the highest possible value. A substantial grinding speed is a must have, especially if you’re anticipating a lot of usage of the unit.

Choosing The Right Size?

Choosing the correct size device comes down to your kitchen setup. It’s imperative that you do a thorough inspection in regards to the dimensions of your preferred disposal. Most garbage disposals on the market are suitable for small areas. Therefore it’s essential to scrutinize the product measurements and ensure that you have your kitchen specs handy.

What’s It Made Out Of?

It’s vital to choose a system made out of stainless steel. Stainless steel ensures that your unit lasts longer and stays clear of any corrosive wear and tear. Although most models come equipped with at least a one year warranty, it’s a wise decision to choose something that’s durable.

Ensure The Disposal Is Capable Of Continuous Feed

Garbage disposal with the continuous feed feature allows you to add food while it’s running without having to worry about any inconvenient jams.

Limit The Sound

There’s absolutely nothing worse than a noisy disposal system. Most of the modern machines, like the InSinkErator, is furnished with an added layer of insulation around the gears responsible for the grinding process. The insulation works to lessen the excess noise without hampering function and effectiveness.

The Impellers

The impellers play a vital role in grinding up the excess food, but they also serve an integral purpose in ensuring that the disposal system doesn’t jam up and stop working.

Simple Installation Is Key

Most models come equipped with an installation guide. A practical guide ensures that setting up the garbage disposal system is simple and causes no unnecessary trouble.

Warranty Is Essential

Choosing a system with a dependable warranty is a step that you shouldn’t overlook. Most models on our list come with a two-year warranty and a 1-year warranty that covers any damaged parts. It’s worthy to note that some Waste King models do come with a lifetime warranty. The warranty will cover any needed repairs, and it ensures that you can quickly ship your device to a to a qualified technician if any repairs are required.

Summary

The bottom line is, there are plenty of great garbage disposals out there on the market. Choosing the right one can be mind-numbing at times, but with diligent research and a little persistence, it should be that difficult. Be sure to select a model that equipped with a powerful motor, adequate grinding capacity, a continuous feed system, and a sufficient warranty in case of any unforeseen errors.

Most models come standard with a jam-resistant continuous feed system, and with the current advancements in technology, it’s only a matter of time before you can do away with the somewhat bothersome noise. From Waste King to General Electric, garbage disposals are becoming a must-have in any household.

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Peter Mattson / Senior Contributor

A professional plumber. Spent 11 years helping people with their problems. The only author on this blog who wants to share his experience with people and help find the best answers for any question about garbage disposals.